Flatbed tarping: Best practices

Use proper personal protective equipment 

• Safety glasses 
• Gloves that fit well and allow good dexterity
• High visibility vest
• Good traction-control shoes with ankle support
• Fall protection gear while at height

Climbing the load

• Use forklift to place tarp on load.
• Ladder safety
  • Inspect side rails and rungs.
  • Maintain solid footing.
  • Extend ladder 3 feet above load.
  • Maintain three points of contact.
  • Use caution when changing tasks.
• Watch for open/uneven sections.

Unfolding the tarp

• Position tarp on the back of the load.
• Never walk backward.
• Watch for holes in load.
• Work from hands and knees near load edges.
• Carefully unfold the tarp and drop over sides.

Fastening the tarp

• Fasten rear folds from top of load.
• Wear safety glasses.
• Use bungees, cords, or straps to help hold the tarp
• Pull bungee cords away from your body/face.
• Keep fingers away from pinch points.
• Turn hooks so they face away from tarp.

Removing the tarp

• Grab one corner and yank up to get air under the tarp.
• Use a steady, balanced pull.
• Get the tarp neat, flat, and square.
• Use proper lifting techniques or forklift to lift tarp.

Special thanks to TP trucking

For more on this topic, visit saif.com/truckingsafety.